In a historic step for space collaboration, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and NASA are set to launch the jointly developed Earth observation satellite, NISAR, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission, valued at $1.5 billion, represents a technological milestone as the world’s first Earth observation satellite using dual-frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). It is designed to deliver precise, real-time data on environmental changes, natural disasters, and the planet’s evolving surface.
NISAR will carry both NASA’s L-band and ISRO’s S-band radar systems, integrated on a specially designed spacecraft bus provided by ISRO. A standout feature of the mission is the 12-meter unfurlable mesh reflector antenna developed by NASA, enabling wide-swath, high-resolution imaging using SweepSAR technology.
The satellite, weighing 2,392 kilograms, will be launched into a sun-synchronous orbit at 740 kilometers above Earth aboard India’s GSLV-F16 rocket. It will scan the planet’s surface every 12 days, covering a swath of 242 kilometers, and will function 24×7 regardless of weather conditions or lighting.
Engineered for continuous operation, NISAR will detect phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, glacial movements, and groundwater changes. It will be a crucial tool for global disaster preparedness and long-term climate change monitoring.
The mission embodies deep cooperation between India and the United States. NASA has contributed the L-band radar system, a high-rate telecommunication subsystem, GPS receivers, and the deployable antenna. ISRO has delivered the S-band payload, the satellite’s structural bus, the launch vehicle, and all mission logistics.
NISAR is expected to strengthen global capabilities in managing natural hazards, enabling real-time policy response, scientific research, and environmental sustainability efforts. It is a testament to the fusion of space technology, international cooperation, and scientific ambition.
